Machine washable and tumble dry percale fabric ceiling fan cover

ABSTRACT

A ceiling fan blade cover includes a lightweight percale cotton cloth cover having an oblong-shaped body having an edge that is sewn to prevent raveling and to create a stronger foundation. An elastic back connected to the edge produces an elastic circumference of the cover. An elastic strap having two ends bar-tacked to the circumference provides removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding blade and provides for the cover to take on the shape of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The paddle/blade, invented and developed for the use of moving andstopping, is constructed out of various types of woods, plastics, metalsand a combination thereof. This useful creation over time became thefoundation of some of the most popular products we've used across thecountry and world today. For example, the ceiling fan gives us theability to redistribute air to cool or heat an environment and toexhaust an environment in order to expel foul odors, poisonous gases,fumes, toxins and the like.

Covers have been developed to protect and customize ceiling fan blades.Ceiling fans require careful handling during cleaning and covering.Thus, blade covers need to be easy to install and remove to avoiddamaging the fan. Ceiling fans are also necessarily balanced to reducewobble, thereby reducing the wear on the bearings and prolonging thelife of the fan motor. Therefore, blade covers should be sufficientlylightweight so as to not affect the balance of the fan.

Prior art fan covers, upon experimental reproduction, were determined tobe of excessive weight and bulky design.

Thus there remains a need in the art for a fan blade cover that islightweight such that it does not create a drag notable to the eye norto the fan motor and does not create an imbalance in the fan.Furthermore there remains a need for a cover that is close ortight-fitting and well-designed such that it is unnoticeable as a cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a ceiling fan blade coverincluding a lightweight percale cotton cloth ceiling fan blade cover,capable of being installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade. Thecover has an oblong shaped body having an outside edge with definingboundary lines of the body having an identifiable outside surface andinside surface. The outside surface has a serged edge to preventraveling and to create a stronger foundation and an elastic bandconnected thereto and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached tothe cover edges to produce an elastic circumference of the cover. Theelastic circumference is connected at opposite sides by ends of anelastic strap having two cut and unfinished ends that are bar-tacked,providing removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding bladeand providing the cover to take on the shape and appearance of thecorresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon.

The present invention is yet further directed toward a method ofconstructing a ceiling fan blade cover including several steps. One stepis to provide an oblong shaped design having an outside edge and a mainbody, the main body having an outside surface and an inside surface. Thedesign is cut from a lightweight material to form an oblong-shaped mainbody of the cover, followed by sewing a serged edge on the main body ofthe cover to prevent raveling, connecting an elastic band to the outsideedge thereby crating an elastic circumference, and connecting ends of anelastic strap to opposite sides of the elastic circumference. Thisproduces a lightweight ceiling fan blade cover, capable of beinginstalled onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade, such that the coverhas an oblong-shaped body having an outside edge with defining boundarylines of the body having an identifiable outside surface and insidesurface, the outside surface edge further including an elastic bandconnected thereto and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached tothe cover edges to produce an elastic circumference of the cover, theelastic circumference being connected at opposite sides by ends of anelastic strap having two cut and unfinished ends that are bar-tacked forproviding removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding bladeand providing the cover to take on the shape and appearance of thecorresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the front side of a completed clothceiling fan cover, oblong shaped and smooth in appearance, which isinstalled by the means of pulling on and removed by the means of pullingoff.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the backside of the fan cover of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In comparison and consideration to the prior art in this field, thisceiling fan cover herein disclosed is lighter weight, using the leastamount of fabric and the lightest form of fabric/thread on the market,without sacrificing beauty. In a preferred embodiment, percale cotton isused, as it is durable, stylish, and cost-effective. It is alsoabsorbent to flame retardant chemicals, dyes, and “glow in the darkmatter”. Other advantages are the fact that it is lightweight,immeasurable in beauty and adaptability, cooperative with other fabric'sand demonstrating the least amount of resistant and failures.

The present invention has a remarkable application time andmanufacturing time. Two minutes to reproduce and five seconds to applyto the paddle/blade. Other advantages may include:

-   1. Lowering cost to production and public-   2. Safety to persons and ceiling fans while in motion/operation-   3. Closures eliminated-   4. Appeal to a broad/diversified audience concerning manufacturing    methods-   5. Speed when applying and retracting ref. to paddle/blade-   6. Weight reduction made suitable-   7. Omitted adjustments application onto paddle/blade-   8. Heighten concept with wisdom-   9. Omitted gimmicks to indications/signage-   10. Simplifying manufacturing-   11. Reconstructed a design suitable to all fans and their purpose-   12. Utility with a simple understanding-   13. Wholesale and Marketing price made practicability-   14. Shorten lobbyist time-   15. Reduced logistics-   16. Shorten scope-   17. Speeding up manufacturing time-   18. Creating and made an overall appealing product

With these new improvements, one sees more benefits through out thecover's performance as it is placed, covering, removed and reapplied.The lowering of cost and the subtraction of many unnecessarysteps/processes/directions; reference to the use of natural andsynthetic of materials to make this cover. This cover is more affordableand easier to apply and remove over and over again, in comparison to theprevious covers. Covering the ceiling fan paddles/blades with ease isthe pinnacle of any cover devised.

The present invention is designed for mass production. Logic andconsideration in packaging was one of the main concerns, this applies tothe (liability concerns) weight of each covers, understandingcompliances with storage space, purchasing, distribution in bulkfashion, and sales and profit margin.

In reference to the operation and closing methods in the previouspatent's, you will not find those methods in this cover, thesemeasures/steps/claims/instruments have all been eliminated thus refiningcover to a quicker, less pain staking, no brainier, fun to have aroundthe house/office/businesses item. These are the differences whichelevated and separates this invention from the previous inventions,along with establishing itself as a independence functioning articlewhich is strong, easy to handle and longer lasting (having no attachedor replacement parts) such as; things/ends to tightening, pulling,snapping, hooking, pass through strings belonging to a sewn in passage,special cut out pieces to button, stretch/scratch/scrap or wholesynthetics material design especially developed for odd shape nouns(polyester blends/polyester/spandex) to fit snug any odd shape (note,this material is limited to fashions, colors, styles, toughness, heatdrying, extended pulling, dispensing old oil that has gathered debrisduring it's operation) the cover to fit, Velcro connecting to close ortaper for a perfect fit additional or unique sizing cutting beforesewing, folding, venting, liners, using a stretch material, open endedflaps, material wastefully used on both side of the paddle/blade toprotect both sides, even in places where there is no dust or littledust, oil, grease, grime, aging and anything else to be disguised,hidden, masked, and so called protected. This improved cover is simplymade of two types of materials, 1.) a light weight piece of cotton witha creative design or simply a solid shade, cut oblong accordantly (⅝ in.beyond the edge of the paddle/blade) using (preferably percale cotton, alightweight fabric, excellent because of the low to moderate threadcount, durable for washing many times over, machine drying and low temp.ironing or no ironing required) 2.) and a ¼ in. to 1 in. wide elasticfor the sides which is ⅔ the length around the cover, which would beconsidered as the entire circumference. Note, the margin within thisspace can be used in the form of variations, the scope of the actionremains consistent throughout the areas in design and utility. One tofive straps of the same width ¼ in. to 1 in. wide elastic 3 in. to 4 in.long on the back spaced evenly. The materials used in this invention canbe found easily all over the world, to wit: the under garments you areprobably wearing can be used to make one.

Securing the cover to the paddles/blades, without a doubt added moreobjects/weight in prior designs. This creates a drag, introducinganother problem which maybe discovered in the long term; to wit: theearly burning out of the fans motor parts. This ⅛ in. thick paddle/bladeattached to a small motor cannot with stand the rigors of too muchweight, even presented in ounces. I found in experimenting that only acombined total of 2.5 to 5 ounces could attach itself to thepaddle/blade without interfering with the fan's operation,paddles/blades deg. and balance. Based upon this finding, I reserve theright to the assert, “weight properties” necessary to not interrupt orinterfere and the variable space provided, according to the spec. of themanufactured fan.

This new design is far easier, lighter in weight, and cheaper to makepiece by piece or in a bulk fashion. All methods used in the making ofthis cover are standard, used in creating, recreating or the making of aarticle using fabric or synthetic material. These standards are not tobe disregarded, theses are measures well thought out and are sensible inthe design and use of fabric. Sewing classes, fabric stores, sewingcircles, sewing books and magazines, are methods where knowledge can befound in reference to the standards of basic sewing. Sewing professionalinstruct, teach and cover only what is necessary to save time, money,thoughts, mistakes, waste and destruction. Covering a four dimensionalitem in this fashion which provides only a 3 dimensional view is themost practical, logical, cost effective, and feasible. This cover is sosimple, that a foolish person or a child could figure it out anddescribe it and apply it to a common household ceiling fan. Non-operatedfans that are in some cases too expensive to remove and to havereplaced, this cover will serve as blanket solution. The cover cancapture the beauty in something that is of no more use, but is not worththe added expense of getting rid of. As inexpensive as this cover is tocreate, it can be used as a tool/means of a solution for a person in notime. The persons who give ways and means to the values of fans andtheir properties will appreciate this product.

Less hassle in creating devices, such as this cover can mean a greatdeal, specifically to the one person who is applying it from underneaththe fan. Most will attempt to apply it by climbing on top of a item togain an advantage over the fan until they gain some sense of authorityor control or complete understanding. This will happen in no time withthis cover. Because of the “easy method” of application ref. to thedesign and utility, it will be as promised, easy to learn and easy totake care of. As we well know, the most profitable inventions are the“easy to learn and understand.” This method releases energy and joybecause it is not confusing.

Referring no to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a oblong shaped designreferred to as a cover 10. The cover 10 has a main body, in a preferredembodiment formed from a flexible lightweight percale fabric 12. Themaximum volume of fabric used does not surpass 1 ounce afterconstruction into the cover 10. The cover possesses no outer seams inthe fabric, no matter the size of the ceiling fan paddle/blade. In thepreferred embodiment, percale cotton is the preferred fabric and a thinelastic band circumference which is sewn onto the percale cotton (notshown) which allows its oblong shape to adapt or conform to any shape ofpaddle/blade, including round, beveled, square, cathedral or wood,plastic, heavy cardboard, metal or any combination thereof; anyformation or deviations within or out of the scope of these namedshapes, not to exclude damages, normal wear and tear, erosions,fractures, or designs intentional or unintentional.

Referring now to the drawing FIG. 2, the reverse of FIG. 1, shows anoblong cover 10 which is preferably composed of percale cotton,including any designer blends, because of the fabric's versatility indesign, color and pattern. The cover is formed by sewing the elasticband 22 over the top of the fabric at the fabric's circumference 24. Thethin elastic band 22 is preferably ¼ inch width.

The cover 10 has a seam line 18, which is present at the base of thecover 14, described as the narrow end. This closed seam 18 is a heavybar tack stitch, which allows the fabric 12 and the elastic band 22 tomaintain a sealed position. The completion of the elastic and thefinishing of the adjoining between the two materials in their conclusionform a seam 18 needing no other apparatus passing though, to handle orloose article to thread, apply, attach, or assemble. The preferredmaterials, percale cotton and elastic strap, makes this invention lightand simple, in which a cover can be made in 2 minutes, from start tocompletion.

The selection of these materials for this invention creates a cover 10that holds fast to the fan blade and weighs less that 1 ounce.

The ¼ circumference 24 and the elastic band 22 permit's the presentinvention to hold fast to the blade's narrow end 14 and broad end 16with ease, eliminating any need for addition fabric, passages,hook-and-loop fasteners, glue, air ducts, ventilation holes, specialcuts, drawstrings, spandex or stretch materials, etc., or other types ofdevices which have been used in prior arts such as; U.S. Pat. Nos.5,591,005; 5,564,900; 5,281,093; 5,591,006; 4,832,572; 5,516,264;4,676,721; 5,470,205; 5,947,686; 6,015,261; etc.

The elastic strap 26 is preferably ¼ inch in width and is made ofelastic material identical to the circumference 24. The elastic strapmaintains the flat, flush, and smooth appearance of the cover 10 bycreating a side-to-side pull that keeps all decorative patterns inposition.

The strap indirectly provides a sense of added protection and comfort tothe consumer so the product can become a regular seen item and used inthe houses, homes and offices. The snug and sturdy fit provided by thestrap conveys a notion of safety while the cover moves in a circularfashion at any speed.

In case the cover loses its strap 26 or has it removed for any reason,the cover 10 will not take flight, come apart or slide off thepaddle/blade, being held in place by the elastic circumference.

This elastic strap 26 is 3½ inches in a relaxed state, and stretches to4½ inches when applied to paddle/blade and stress is added. The cut orloose ends of the 3½ inch strap 26 is heavily bar tack underneath theelastic circumference, seen at the seam lines 28 and 30, for beauty,strength, neatness, and flexibility.

The present invention is thus a ceiling fan blade cover including alightweight percale cotton cloth ceiling fan blade cover, capable ofbeing installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade; the cover havingan oblong-shaped body having an outside edge with defining boundarylines of the body having an identifiable outside surface and insidesurface, the outside surface having a serged edge to prevent ravelingand to create a stronger foundation; the outside surface furtherincluding an elastic band connected thereto and having ends that arebar-tacked and attached to the cover edges to produce an elasticcircumference of the cover, the elastic circumference being connected atopposite sides by ends of an elastic strap having two cut and unfinishedends that are bar-tacked for providing removable adherence of the coverto the corresponding blade and providing the cover to take on the shapeand appearance of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installedthereon. The elastic strap is preferably thin. The cover is preferably adurable, welcoming, long lasting, adaptable cover. The cover ispreferably fabricated from the best and most durable, multitask, andcost-efficient fabric which will conform to all shapes, cut well, notslide, adjoins with other material best, matches well, and easiest tofind, transports well, stores well, manufactures and fit afterproduction all types of designed edges. The fabric is one that canpreferably be advertised on dye, imitated, duplicated, copies, holds upto heat and dirt well, and suitable for any room or matching expensiveto inexpensive linens, silks, satin, rayon, synthetics materials.Preferably, a multiplicity of covers for removable attachment to each ofa corresponding multiplicity of ceiling fan blades on a single fan canbe provided, the covers forming a set to provide a uniform, matchingappearance.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a ceilingfan blade cover, including a lightweight ceiling fan blade cover,capable of being installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade; thecover having an oblong-shaped body having an outside edge with definingboundary lines of the body having an identifiable outside surface andinside surface, the outside surface having serged edge to preventraveling and to create a stronger foundation. The outside surface edgefurther includes an elastic band connected thereto and having ends thatare bar-tacked and attached to the cover edges to produce an elasticcircumference of the cover, the elastic circumference being connected atopposite sides by ends of an elastic strap having two cut and unfinishedends that are bar-tacked for providing removable adherence of the coverto the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon. In apreferred embodiment, the cover is formed of a cotton cloth. Preferably,the cover total weight is about one ounce.

The present invention also includes a method of construction a ceilingfan blade cover, the steps including: providing a oblong shaped design,the design having an outside edge and a main body, the main body havingan outside surface and an inside surface; cutting the design from alightweight material to form an oblong-shaped main body of the cover;sewing a serged edge on the main body of the cover to prevent raveling;connecting an elastic band to the outside edge thereby creating anelastic circumference; connecting ends of an elastic strap to oppositesides of the elastic circumference; thereby producing a lightweightceiling fan blade cover, capable of being installed onto a correspondingceiling fan blade, such that the cover has an oblong-shaped body havingan outside edge with defining boundary lines of the body having anidentifiable outside surface and inside surface, the outside surfacehaving serged edge to prevent raveling and to create a strongerfoundation; the outside surface edge further including an elastic bandconnected thereto and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached tothe cover edges to produce an elastic circumference of the cover, theelastic circumference being connected at opposite sides by ends of anelastic strap having two cut and unfinished ends that are bar-tacked forproviding removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding bladeand providing the cover to take on the shape and appearance of thecorresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon. The method canfurther include the step of sewing the outside edge of the design to themain body of the cover. Preferably, the elastic strap is centrallylocated on the body of the cover. Also, the elastic band is sewn to thebody of the cover. Another step is preferably placing a triple doublebar tack stitch in the most narrow end creating a wall of strength, aavenue of permanent juncture, a governor and a seal; and furtherincluding the step of bar tacking an unbroken strap in a most centerpart of the cover; and even more preferably including the step of bartaking the elastic strap in a center part of the oblong shaped body ofthe cover.

1. A ceiling fan blade cover comprising: a lightweight percale cottoncloth having an oblong-shaped body defining an edge that is sewn toprevent raveling and to create a stronger foundation; a first elasticband connected to the edge and having ends that are bar-tacked andattached to the cover edge to produce an elastic circumference of thecover, the elastic circumference being connected at opposite sides byends of a second elastic strap band providing removable adherence of thecover to the corresponding blade and providing the cover to take on theshape of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon. 2.The cover of claim 1, wherein the first elastic strap band is thin. 3.The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover is adaptable.
 4. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein the fabric can be dyed or printed.
 5. The cover ofclaim 1, provided as a multiplicity of covers for removable attachmentto each of a corresponding multiplicity of ceiling fan blades on asingle fan, the covers forming a set.
 6. A ceiling fan blade covercomprising: a lightweight flexible, sheet material; having anoblong-shaped body defining an edge that is sewn to prevent raveling andto create a stronger foundation; a first elastic band connected to theedge and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached to the cover edgeto produce an elastic circumference of the cover, the elasticcircumference being connected at opposite sides by ends of a secondelastic band providing removable adherence of the cover to thecorresponding blade and providing the cover to take on the shape andappearance of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installedthereon.
 7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the cover is formed of acotton cloth.
 8. The cover of claim 6, wherein the cover total weight isabout one ounce.
 9. The cover of claim 6, wherein the elastic strap isthin.
 10. The cover of claim 6, wherein the cover is adaptable.
 11. Thecover of claim 6, wherein the fabric can be dyed or printed.
 12. Thecover of claim 6, wherein the second elastic band is bar tacked in acenter portion of the cover for the supporting and maintaining theshape, and the look of the ceiling fan blade when the cover is attached.13. The cover of claim 6, further including a multiplicity of covers forremovable attachment to each of a corresponding multiplicity of ceilingfan blades on a single fan, the covers forming a set.
 14. A method ofconstructing a ceiling fan blade cover comprising the steps of: cuttinga main body from a lightweight material to form an oblong shape; sewingan edge on the main body to prevent raveling; connecting a first elasticband to the outside edge, thereby creating an elastic circumference;connecting ends of a second elastic band to opposite sides of theelastic circumference; thereby producing a lightweight ceiling fan bladecover capable of being installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade,that provides removable adherence of the cover to the correspondingblade and provides the cover to take on the shape of the correspondingceiling fan blade when installed thereon.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein connecting the second elastic band is done at a central locationcentrally located on the body of the cover.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein the first elastic band is sewn to the body of the cover.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, further including the step of placing a heavy bartack stitch in the most narrow end of the cover, creating a wall ofstrength.
 18. The method of claim 14, further including the step of bartacking the second elastic band in a center part of the oblong shapedbody of the cover.